JP2020010770A - Plasma irradiation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a plasma irradiation device capable of preventing a user from dropping irradiation equipment during treatment.SOLUTION: A plasma irradiation device 200 includes irradiation equipment 10 having a plasma generation part, for discharging at least either of plasma generated from the plasma generation part and active gas generated by plasma, electrical wiring 40 connected to the irradiation equipment 10, and a stationary member 100 provided on at least either of the irradiation equipment 10 and the electrical wiring 40, and fixed to an upper limb 310 of a user 300.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a plasma irradiation device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a plasma irradiation apparatus for medical use such as dental treatment has been known.
The plasma irradiation device cures the affected part by irradiating the affected part such as a wound with plasma or active gas. The active gas is generated by plasma in a plasma irradiation device.
For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a plasma jet irradiation apparatus for performing dental treatment. The plasma jet irradiation device includes an irradiation device having plasma jet irradiation means. The plasma jet irradiation device irradiates the object to be irradiated with the generated plasma and active species. The active species are generated by a reaction between a gas in the plasma or a gas around the plasma and the plasma.
Patent Literature 2 discloses a plasma irradiation apparatus that generates an active gas (active species) inside an irradiation tool, discharges the active gas from a nozzle, and irradiates an affected part with the gas. The active gas is, for example, active oxygen or active nitrogen.

Japanese Patent No. 544066 JP 2017-50267 A

  In this type of plasma irradiation apparatus, there is a case where a user falls the irradiation apparatus during treatment.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a plasma irradiation apparatus that prevents a user from dropping an irradiation instrument during treatment.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.
A plasma irradiation apparatus according to the present invention has a plasma generation unit, and discharges at least one of a plasma generated by the plasma generation unit and an active gas generated by the plasma; and a wiring connected to the irradiation device. And a fixing member provided on at least one of the irradiation device and the wiring and fixed to the upper limb of the user.

  The fixing member may include a band-shaped portion wound around the upper limb, and a joint provided at both ends of the band-shaped portion and joining the both ends.

  The fixing member may have a ring shape, and may be formed of a band-shaped member or a string-shaped member through which the upper limb is inserted.

  The fixing member has an annular shape starting from an end of the irradiation device opposite to a side from which at least one of the plasma and the active gas is discharged, and a band-shaped member or a cord through which the user's wrist is inserted. It may be composed of a shaped member.

  The fixing member includes a belt wound around the waist or the wrist of the user, a buckle that fastens the belt and is fixed to the waist or the wrist, a rope that is connected to the buckle so as to be stretchable, and a tip of the rope. And a winder that winds the rope around the belt, and the hook has an end opposite to a side of the irradiation device from which at least one of the plasma and the active gas is discharged. It may be fixed to an annular fitting provided in the portion or an annular fitting through which the wiring is inserted.

  Further, in the plasma irradiation apparatus described above, the plasma generation unit may generate the plasma by dielectric barrier discharge.

  Further, in the above-described plasma irradiation apparatus, the plasma generating unit may generate the plasma using a nitrogen gas.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a plasma irradiation apparatus that prevents a user from dropping an irradiation device during treatment.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plasma irradiation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of an irradiation tool constituting the plasma irradiation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is xx sectional drawing of the irradiation tool of FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line y-y of the irradiation device in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a plasma irradiation device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the principal part of the irradiation tool of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the plasma irradiation apparatus which concerns on the 1st modification of this invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a plasma irradiation device according to a second modification of the present invention.

An embodiment of the plasma irradiation apparatus of the present invention will be described.
The present embodiment is specifically described for better understanding of the spirit of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified.

The plasma irradiation device of the present invention is a plasma jet irradiation device or an active gas irradiation device.
The plasma jet irradiation device generates plasma. The plasma jet irradiation device directly irradiates the object to be irradiated with the generated plasma and the active species. The active species are generated by a reaction between a gas in the plasma or a gas around the plasma and the plasma. Examples of the active species include active oxygen species and active nitrogen species. Examples of the active oxygen species include a hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and a superoxide anion radical. Examples of the active nitrogen species include nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, peroxynitrite, nitrous oxide, nitrous oxide and the like.
The active gas irradiation device generates plasma. The active gas irradiation device irradiates an irradiation target with an active gas containing active species. The active species are generated by a reaction between a gas in the plasma or a gas around the plasma and the plasma.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the plasma irradiation apparatus of the present invention will be described.
The plasma irradiation device of the present embodiment is an active gas irradiation device.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the plasma irradiation apparatus 200 of the present embodiment includes an irradiation device 10, a detection unit 15, a supply unit 20, a gas pipeline 30, an electric wiring 40, a supply source 70, , A notification unit 80, a control unit 90 (calculation unit), and a fixing member 100.
The irradiation device 10 discharges the active gas generated in the irradiation device 10. The supply unit 20 supplies the irradiation device 10 with electric power and a gas for plasma generation. The supply unit 20 contains a supply source 70. The supply source 70 contains a plasma generating gas. The supply unit 20 is connected to a power supply (not shown) such as a household power supply of 100 V, for example. The gas pipeline 30 connects the irradiation device 10 and the supply unit 20. The electric wiring 40 connects the irradiation device 10 and the supply unit 20. In the present embodiment, the gas pipeline 30 and the electrical wiring 40 are independent of each other, but the gas pipeline 30 and the electrical wiring 40 may be integrated.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional (longitudinal) cross-section of a plane along the axis of the irradiation device 10.
As shown in FIG. 2, the irradiation device 10 includes a long cowling 2 (housing), a nozzle 11 protruding from a tip of the cowling 2, and a plasma generation unit 12 located in the cowling 2.
The cowling 2 includes a cylindrical body 2b and a head 2a that closes a tip of the body 2b. The body 2b is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a polygonal tube such as a square tube, a hexagonal tube, and an octagonal tube.

The head 2a has a tapered shape whose diameter gradually decreases toward the tip. That is, the head 2a in the present embodiment has a conical shape. The head portion 2a is not limited to a conical shape, and may be a polygonal pyramid such as a quadrangular pyramid, a hexagonal pyramid, and an octagonal pyramid.
The head 2a has a fitting hole 2c at the tip. The fitting hole 2c is a hole for receiving the nozzle 11. The nozzle 11 is detachable from the head 2a. The head section 2a has a first active gas flow path 7 extending in the direction of the tube axis O1 therein. The tube axis O1 is the tube axis of the body 2b.
The body 2b has an operation switch 9 (operation unit) on the outer peripheral surface.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plasma generation unit 12 includes a tubular dielectric 3 (dielectric), an internal electrode 4, and an external electrode 5.
The tubular dielectric 3 is a cylindrical member extending in the tube axis O1 direction. The tubular dielectric 3 has a gas flow path 6 extending in the direction of the tube axis O1 therein. The first active gas flow path 7 and the gas flow path 6 communicate with each other. Note that the tube axis O1 is the same as the tube axis of the tubular dielectric 3.
The tubular dielectric 3 has an internal electrode 4 inside. The internal electrode 4 is a substantially columnar member extending in the tube axis O1 direction. The internal electrode 4 is separated from the inner surface of the tubular dielectric 3.
An external electrode 5 along the internal electrode 4 is provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular dielectric 3. The external electrode 5 is an annular electrode that goes around the outer peripheral surface of the tubular dielectric 3.
As shown in FIG. 3, the tubular dielectric 3, the internal electrode 4, and the external electrode 5 are located concentrically about the tube axis O1.
In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the internal electrode 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the external electrode 5 face each other with the tubular dielectric 3 interposed therebetween.

In the present embodiment, the plasma generator 12 generates plasma by dielectric barrier discharge.
The plasma generator 12 generates plasma using, for example, nitrogen. In order to generate plasma using nitrogen, the voltage applied to the plasma generation unit 12 increases, and the shield required to prevent electromagnetic waves radiated from the plasma generation unit 12 becomes heavy. Therefore, when the plasma generator 12 is dropped, the dielectric for generating the dielectric barrier discharge is easily broken.

The plasma generator 12 is detachable from the cowling 2. The plasma generation unit 12 is withdrawn from the cowling 2 in the direction of the tube axis O1, for example. For example, after the cowling 2 is disassembled into a head portion 2a and a body portion 2b, the plasma generation portion 12 may be configured so that the plasma generation portion 12 is pulled out to the front side with respect to the body portion 2b. The head portion 2a side is the front side and the body portion 2b side is the rear side along the axis O1 direction).
For example, when the plasma generator 12 is damaged, the plasma generator 12 can be detached from the cowling 2 and a new plasma generator 12 can be mounted on the cowling 2. At this time, the new plasma generator 12 can be inserted into the cowling 2 in the direction of the tube axis O1.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the hardness of the tip of the nozzle 11 (hardness measured by a type A durometer specified in JIS K 6253, hereinafter referred to as “hardness”) is 0 to 60 degrees. is there. In the present embodiment, the nozzle 11 includes the main body tube 1 through which at least one of plasma and active gas passes, and a cover 13 that covers the main body tube 1. The cover 13 forms the tip of the nozzle 11 and is made of a material having a hardness of 0 to 60 degrees. Since the cover 13 is formed of a material having a hardness of 0 to 60 degrees, at least the outer surface (outermost layer) of the tip of the nozzle 11 has a hardness of 0 to 60 degrees. The hardness of the cover 13 is preferably, for example, not less than 10 degrees and not more than 40 degrees.

  The main body tube 1 includes a pedestal portion 1b fitted into the fitting hole 2c, and an irradiation tube 1c protruding from the pedestal portion 1b. The pedestal portion 1b is detachably attached to the fitting hole 2c (the cowling 2). The irradiation tube 1c is formed in a cylindrical shape. The pedestal portion 1b and the irradiation tube 1c are integrated. The main body tube 1 has a second active gas flow path 8 therein. The main body tube 1 has an irradiation port 1a at the tip. The second active gas channel 8 and the first active gas channel 7 are in communication.

  The main body tube 1 (the pedestal portion 1b and the irradiation tube 1c) is integrally formed of the same material. In the present embodiment, the main body tube 1 is formed of a metal (for example, SUS (stainless steel)). The material of the main body tube 1 is not particularly limited, and may have an insulating property or a conductive property. As a material of the main body tube 1, a material having excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance is preferable. Examples of the material having excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance include metals such as stainless steel.

  The cover 13 is formed of a soft material having biocompatibility and insulating properties. In the present embodiment, the cover 13 is formed of a resin (for example, a silicon resin, more specifically, a silicon resin having a hardness of about 20 degrees). As described above, the cover 13 is formed of a material having a hardness of 0 to 60 degrees. The material forming the cover 13 is softer than SUS (stainless steel) or ABS resin, and softer than the material forming the main body tube 1 and the cowling 2. In other words, when a member having the same shape and the same size as the cover 13 is made of SUS or ABS resin, a material for forming the main body tube 1, or a material for forming the cowling 2, the cover has a larger size than this member. 13 is easier to deform.

  The cover 13 is fitted to the irradiation tube 1c from outside. The tip of the cover 13 projects from the tip of the main body tube 1. In the illustrated example, the distal end of the cover 13 protrudes forward from the distal end of the irradiation tube 1c. The cover 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The thickness of the cover 13 is, for example, 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and preferably 1 mm to 3 mm. If the thickness of the cover 13 is less than 0.5 mm, it is difficult to exert the effect of reducing the load described later. On the other hand, when the thickness of the cover 13 exceeds 5 mm, the entire nozzle 11 becomes too thick, and for example, treatment (dental treatment) may be difficult.

In this embodiment, the head cover 14 is provided integrally with the cover 13. The head cover 14 covers the head portion 2a, and in the illustrated example, is fitted to the head portion 2a from outside.
The cover 13 is detachably attached to the main body tube 1. In the present embodiment, the head cover 14 is also detachably attached to the head 2a. The cover 13 and the head cover 14 are integrally and detachably attached to the main body tube 1 and the head portion 2a. In addition, in order to improve the detachability of the cover 13 and the head cover 14, an uneven portion may be provided on the inner surface of the cover 13 and the head cover 14. By providing the uneven portion, the contact area between the cover 13 or the head cover 14 and the main body tube 1 or the head portion 2a can be reduced, and the frictional resistance at the time of attachment and detachment can be reduced.

  The cover 13 (connected body of the cover 13 and the head cover 14) may be manufactured by, for example, extruding a prototype and then performing a secondary process. The cover 13 may be manufactured by, for example, vacuum casting, RIM molding, or injection molding. In the case where the cover 13 is formed by vacuum casting, RIM molding, or injection molding, the cover 13 may be provided with the above-described uneven portion on the inner surface of the cover 13 as compared with the case where the cover 13 is prototyped by extrusion molding and then subjected to secondary processing. It is easy to make a cut in the cover 13. Therefore, it is preferable to form the cover 13 by vacuum casting, RIM molding, or injection molding.

As shown in FIG. 2, the material of the body 2b is not particularly limited, but is preferably a material having an insulating property. The body 2b may be formed of only an electrically insulating material, or may have a multilayer structure having an electrically insulating material and a metal material layer on its surface.
Examples of the insulating material include a thermoplastic resin and a thermosetting resin. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS resin), and the like. Examples of the thermosetting resin include a phenol resin, a melamine resin, a urea resin, an epoxy resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, and a silicone resin.
Examples of the metal material include stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum.
The size of the body 2b is not particularly limited, and may be a size that can be easily grasped with fingers.

The material of the head portion 2a is not particularly limited, and may have insulating properties or may not have insulating properties. The material of the head portion 2a is preferably a material having excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Examples of the material having excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance include metals such as stainless steel. The material of the head part 2a and the body part 2b may be the same or different.
The size of the head portion 2a can be determined in consideration of the use of the plasma irradiation device 200 and the like. For example, when the plasma irradiation device 200 is an intraoral treatment instrument, the size of the head portion 2a is preferably a size that can be inserted into the oral cavity.

  As a material of the tubular dielectric 3, a dielectric material used for a known plasma device can be applied. Examples of the material of the tubular dielectric 3 include glass, ceramics, and synthetic resin. The lower the dielectric constant of the tubular dielectric 3, the better.

  The inner diameter R of the tubular dielectric 3 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the outer diameter d of the internal electrode 4. The inner diameter R is determined so that a distance s described later is in a desired range.

The internal electrode 4 includes a shaft portion extending in the tube axis O1 direction, and a thread on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion. The shaft may be solid or hollow. Above all, the shaft is preferably solid. If the shaft is solid, processing is easy and mechanical durability can be improved. The screw thread of the internal electrode 4 is a spiral screw thread that orbits in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion. The form of the internal electrode 4 is the same as that of the male screw.
Since the internal electrode 4 has a thread on the outer peripheral surface, the electric field at the tip of the thread is locally increased, and the discharge starting voltage is reduced. Therefore, plasma can be generated and maintained with low power. The internal electrode 4 may not have unevenness such as a thread on the outer peripheral surface. That is, the internal electrode 4 may be a cylindrical member having no irregularities on the outer peripheral surface.

  The outer diameter d of the internal electrode 4 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the application of the plasma irradiation apparatus 200 (that is, the size of the irradiation apparatus 10) and the like. When the plasma irradiation device 200 is an intraoral treatment device, the outer diameter d is preferably 0.5 mm to 20 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 10 mm. When the outer diameter d is equal to or larger than the lower limit, the internal electrode 4 can be easily manufactured. In addition, when the outer diameter d is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the surface area of the internal electrode 4 increases, and plasma can be generated more efficiently, and healing and the like can be further promoted. When the outer diameter d is equal to or less than the upper limit, the plasma can be generated more efficiently without heavily increasing the size of the irradiation device 10, and the healing and the like can be further promoted.

The height h of the thread of the internal electrode 4 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the outer diameter d of the internal electrode 4.
The pitch p of the thread of the internal electrode 4 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the length, the outer diameter d, and the like of the internal electrode 4. The pitch p is preferably from 0.2 mm to 3.0 mm, more preferably from 0.2 mm to 2.5 mm, even more preferably from 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm.

  The material of the internal electrode 4 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material, and a metal that can be used for an electrode of a known plasma device can be applied. Examples of the material of the internal electrode 4 include metals such as stainless steel, copper, and tungsten, and carbon.

  As the internal electrode 4, JIS B 0205: 2001 metric thread standard product (M2, M2.2, M2.5, M3, M3.5, etc.), JIS B 2016: 1987 metric trapezoidal thread standard product (Tr8) × 1.5, Tr9 × 2, Tr9 × 1.5, etc.), JIS B 0206: 1973, unified coarse thread standard products (No. 1-64UNC, No. 2-56UNC, No. 3-48UNC, etc.) Specifications equivalent to the above are preferable. If the specifications are equivalent to these standard products, the cost is superior.

  The distance s between the outer surface of the internal electrode 4 and the inner surface of the tubular dielectric 3 is preferably 0.05 mm to 5 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm. If the distance s is equal to or greater than the lower limit, a desired amount of the plasma generating gas can be easily passed. When the distance s is equal to or less than the upper limit, plasma can be generated more efficiently, and the temperature of the active gas can be lowered.

  The material of the external electrode 5 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material, and a metal used for an electrode of a known plasma device can be applied. Examples of the material of the external electrode 5 include metals such as stainless steel, copper, and tungsten, and carbon.

The length of the flow path in the irradiation tube 1c (that is, the distance L2) in the nozzle 11 can be appropriately determined in consideration of the use of the plasma irradiation apparatus 200 and the like.
The opening diameter of the irradiation port 1a is preferably, for example, 0.5 mm to 5 mm. When the opening diameter is equal to or larger than the lower limit, the pressure loss of the active gas can be suppressed. When the opening diameter is equal to or less than the upper limit, the flow rate of the active gas to be irradiated can be increased to promote the healing of the affected part.
The irradiation tube 1c is bent with respect to the tube axis O1.
The angle θ between the tube axis O2 and the tube axis O1 of the irradiation tube 1c can be determined in consideration of the use of the plasma irradiation device 200 and the like.

  The sum of the distance L1 from the tip center point Q1 of the external electrode 5 to the tip Q2 of the head 2a and the distance L2 from the tip Q2 to the irradiation port 1a (ie, the distance from the internal electrode 4 to the irradiation port 1a) is: The size is appropriately determined in consideration of the size required for the plasma irradiation device 200, the temperature on the surface (irradiation surface) to which the irradiated active gas is applied, and the like. If the sum of the distance L1 and the distance L2 is long, the temperature of the irradiated surface can be lowered. If the sum of the distance L1 and the distance L2 is short, the radical density of the active gas is further increased, and the effect of cleaning, activation, healing, and the like on the irradiated surface can be further enhanced. The tip Q2 is the intersection of the tube axis O1 and the tube axis O2.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the detection unit 15 detects an external force (impact force) applied to the irradiation device 10. The detection unit 15 is arranged closer to the plasma generation unit 12 than the nozzle 11. The detection unit 15 is disposed in the recess 16. The recess 16 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the body 2b. Assuming that a direction orthogonal to the tube axis O1 is a radial direction, the detection unit 15 is disposed radially outside the tubular dielectric 3. The detection unit 15 is formed in a tubular shape extending in the tube axis O1 direction.
The detection unit 15 is detachable from the irradiation device 10. The detection unit 15 is taken out of the cowling 2 to the outside after the plasma generation unit 12 is separated from the cowling 2.

  The detection unit 15 changes color when an external force is applied to the detection unit 15. In the present embodiment, the color of the detection unit 15 differs before and after an external force of a predetermined magnitude or more is applied to the detection unit 15. After the external force of a predetermined magnitude or more is applied to the detection unit 15, the color of the detection unit 15 remains unchanged without returning to the original color. In the present embodiment, the detection unit 15 changes color when an impact acceleration equal to or more than a predetermined impact acceleration (impact value) is applied, and the discolored state is maintained.

  As the detection unit 15, for example, a shock watch (registered trademark) manufactured by Shock Watch can be adopted. When the detection unit 15 is tubular as in the present embodiment, for example, an impact detection tube (for example, a tube type of a shock watch (registered trademark)) or the like can be used as the detection unit 15. Further, in place of the shock detection tube, for example, a shock detection label (for example, a shock watch (registered trademark) label type or the like) or a shock detection indicator (for example, MAG2000 or the like of shock watch (registered trademark)) is employed. can do.

The detection unit 15 can be appropriately designed in consideration of, for example, the strength (size, shape, and material) of the tubular dielectric 3. By appropriately designing the detection unit 15, for example, it is possible to adjust the threshold value of the impact acceleration relating to the discoloration of the detection unit 15.
The detection unit 15 is visible from outside the irradiation device 10. The cowling 2 is provided with a viewing window 17. The viewing window 17 is arranged radially outward with respect to the detection unit 15 (recess 16). The detection unit 15 is visually recognized from the outside of the irradiation device 10 through the viewing window 17.

The supply unit 20 as shown in FIG. 1 supplies the irradiation device 10 with electricity and a gas for generating plasma. The supply unit 20 can adjust the voltage and frequency applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5. The supply unit 20 includes a housing 21 that houses the supply source 70.
The housing 21 accommodates the supply source 70 detachably. Thereby, when the gas in the supply source 70 accommodated in the housing 21 runs out, the supply source 70 can be replaced.

The supply source 70 supplies a plasma generation gas to the plasma generation unit 12. The supply source 70 is a pressure-resistant container in which a plasma generating gas is stored. As shown in FIG. 5, the supply source 70 is detachably attached to a pipe 75 arranged in the housing 21. The pipe 75 connects the supply source 70 and the gas pipe 30.
A solenoid valve 71, a pressure regulator 73, a flow rate controller 74, and a pressure sensor 72 (remaining amount sensor) are attached to the pipe 75.

When the electromagnetic valve 71 is opened, the plasma generating gas is supplied from the supply source 70 to the irradiation device 10 via the pipe 75 and the gas pipe 30. In the illustrated example, the electromagnetic valve 71 is not configured to be able to adjust the valve opening, but is configured to be able to switch only between opening and closing. Note that the electromagnetic valve 71 may be configured such that the valve opening can be adjusted.
The pressure regulator 73 is disposed between the solenoid valve 71 and the supply source 70. The pressure regulator 73 reduces the pressure of the plasma generation gas from the supply source 70 toward the electromagnetic valve 71 (reduces the plasma generation gas).

The flow controller 74 is arranged between the solenoid valve 71 and the gas line 30. The flow rate controller 74 adjusts the flow rate (supply amount per unit time) of the plasma generating gas that has passed through the electromagnetic valve 71. The flow controller 74 adjusts the flow rate of the plasma generating gas to, for example, 3 L / min.
The pressure sensor 72 detects the remaining amount V1 of the plasma generating gas in the supply source 70. The pressure sensor 72 measures the pressure (residual pressure) in the supply source 70 as the remaining amount V1. The pressure sensor 72 measures the pressure of the gas for plasma generation passing between the pressure regulator 73 and the supply source 70 (primary side of the pressure regulator 73) as the pressure of the supply source 70. As the pressure sensor 72, for example, an AP-V80 series (specifically, for example, AP-15S) of Keyence Corporation or the like can be adopted.

A joint 76 is provided at an end of the pipe 75 on the supply source 70 side. A supply source 70 is detachably attached to the joint 76. By attaching and detaching the supply source 70 to and from the joint 76, the supply source is fixed while the solenoid valve 71, the pressure regulator 73, the flow rate controller 74, and the pressure sensor 72 (hereinafter, “electromagnetic valve 71 etc.”) are fixed to the housing 21. 70 can be replaced.
In this case, a common electromagnetic valve 71 and the like can be used for both the supply source 70 before replacement and the supply source 70 after replacement. Note that the electromagnetic valve 71 and the like may be fixed to the supply source 70 and may be detachable from the housing 21 integrally with the supply source 70.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gas pipeline 30 is a path for supplying a plasma generation gas from the supply unit 20 to the irradiation device 10. The gas line 30 is connected to the rear end of the tubular dielectric 3 of the irradiation device 10. The material of the gas pipe 30 is not particularly limited, and a known material used for a gas pipe can be applied. Examples of the material of the gas pipe 30 include a resin pipe and a rubber tube, and a flexible material is preferable.

The electric wiring 40 is a wiring for supplying electricity from the supply unit 20 to the irradiation device 10. The electric wiring 40 is connected to the internal electrode 4, the external electrode 5 and the operation switch 9 of the irradiation device 10. The material of the electric wiring 40 is not particularly limited, and a known material used for electric wiring can be applied.
Examples of the material of the electric wiring 40 include a metal conductor covered with an insulating material.

  The control unit 90 as shown in FIG. 5 is configured using an information processing device. That is, the control unit 90 includes a CPU (Central Processor Unit), a memory, and an auxiliary storage device connected by a bus. The control unit 90 operates by executing a program. The control unit 90 may be built in the supply unit 20, for example. The control unit 90 controls the irradiation device 10, the supply unit 20, and the notification unit 80.

  The operation switch 9 of the irradiation device 10 is electrically connected to the control unit 90. When the operation switch 9 is operated, an electric signal is sent from the operation switch 9 to the control unit 90. When the control unit 90 receives the electric signal, the control unit 90 operates the solenoid valve 71 and the flow rate controller 74 and applies a voltage between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5.

  In the present embodiment, the operation switch 9 is a push button, and when the user presses the operation switch 9 once (the user operates the operation switch 9), the control unit 90 receives the electric signal. Then, the control unit 90 opens the solenoid valve 71 for a predetermined time, causes the flow rate controller 74 to adjust the flow rate of the plasma generating gas passing through the solenoid valve 71, and sets a voltage between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5. Is applied for a predetermined time. As a result, a certain amount of plasma generation gas is supplied from the supply source 70 to the plasma generation unit 12, and the active gas is continuously supplied from the nozzle 11 for a certain period of time (for example, about several seconds to several tens of seconds, 30 seconds in this embodiment). And discharged.

  The control unit 90 calculates the remaining number N of the plasma generating gas. The remaining number N is the remaining number of times that the plasma generation gas can be supplied from the supply source 70 to the plasma generation unit 12 by the plasma generation gas remaining in the supply source 70. The remaining number N can be calculated from the remaining amount V1 of the plasma generating gas in the supply source 70. The remaining number N can be calculated (N = V1 / V2) based on the remaining amount V1 and the supply amount V2 of the plasma generating gas per one operation of the operation switch 9.

  The notification unit 80 notifies the remaining number N. The notifying unit 80 displays the remaining number N calculated by the control unit 90 by a number. As the notification unit 80, for example, a display device capable of displaying an arbitrary number may be employed, or a mechanical counter may be employed. The notification unit 80 may notify the remaining number N by voice. In this case, as the notification unit 80, for example, a speaker or the like can be adopted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing member 100 is provided on the gas pipeline 30 (linear member) and the electric wiring 40 (linear member), and is fixed to the upper limb (for example, upper arm) 310 of the user 300. . By fixing the fixing member 100 to the upper limb 310 of the user 300, the irradiation device 10 is arranged near the hand of the user 300 and can be gripped by the user 300.

  In the present embodiment, the fixing member 100 has a band 110 wrapped around the upper limb 310 of the user 300 and a joint 130 provided at both ends 120 of the band 110 and joining the both ends 120 together. ing.

The band portion 110 is formed by forming a woven or non-woven fabric made of various fibers into a band (tape) having a predetermined width. The width and length (longitudinal direction) of the band 110 are appropriately determined in consideration of the position of the band 310 in the upper limb 310 of the user 300. In addition, it is preferable that the length of the belt-shaped portion 110 in the longitudinal direction can be adjusted according to the size (length of the outer periphery) of the upper limb 310 of the user 300.
Note that both the gas pipeline 30 and the electric wiring 40 are fixed to the strip 110. The gas pipeline 30 and the electric wiring 40 may be exposed on the surface of the strip 110, or may be embedded inside the strip 110. Further, only one of the gas pipe 30 and the electric wiring 40 may be fixed to the belt-shaped portion 110. In other words, the fixing member 100 is fixed to only one of the gas pipe 30 and the electric wiring 40. You may.

  Examples of the joint 130 include a slide fastener, a hook-and-loop fastener, a button, and a one-touch buckle.

Next, a method of using the plasma irradiation apparatus 200 will be described.
For example, the user 300 such as a doctor fixes the irradiation device 10 to the upper limb 310 on his / her own hand (hand for operating the irradiation device 10) using the fixing member 100.
The user 300 moves the irradiation device 10 while holding it, and directs the nozzle 11 toward an irradiation target described later. In this state, the operation switch 9 is pressed to supply electricity and a gas for generating plasma from the supply source 70 to the irradiation device 10.
The plasma generating gas supplied to the irradiation device 10 flows into the inner space of the tubular dielectric 3 from the rear end of the tubular dielectric 3. The plasma generating gas is ionized at a position where the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 face each other, and turns into plasma.

  In the present embodiment, the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 face each other in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the plasma generating gas flows. The plasma generated at the position where the outer peripheral surface of the internal electrode 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the external electrode 5 face each other is a gas flow path 6, a first active gas flow path 7, and a second active gas flow path 8. Flow in this order. During this time, the plasma flows while changing the gas composition, and becomes an active gas containing active species such as radicals.

  The generated active gas is discharged from the irradiation port 1a. The discharged active gas further activates a part of the gas near the irradiation port 1a to generate an active species. An object to be irradiated is irradiated with an active gas containing these active species.

Examples of the irradiation object include a cell, a living tissue, and a living individual.
Examples of the biological tissue include organs of the internal organs, epithelial tissue covering the inner surface of the body surface and body cavity, periodontal tissue such as gingiva, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament and cementum, teeth, bones, and the like.
The living individual may be any of mammals such as humans, dogs, cats and pigs; birds; fish and the like.

Examples of the plasma generating gas include a rare gas such as helium, neon, argon, and krypton; nitrogen; These gases may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The plasma generating gas preferably contains nitrogen as a main component. Here, “mainly containing nitrogen” means that the content of nitrogen in the plasma generating gas is more than 50% by volume.
That is, the content of nitrogen in the plasma generating gas is preferably more than 50% by volume, more preferably 70% by volume or more, further preferably 80% by mass to 100% by mass, and particularly preferably 90% by mass to 100% by mass. The gas components other than nitrogen in the plasma generating gas are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include oxygen and a rare gas.

  When the plasma irradiation device 200 is an intraoral treatment device, the oxygen concentration of the plasma generating gas introduced into the tubular dielectric 3 is preferably 1% by volume or less. When the oxygen concentration is equal to or lower than the upper limit, generation of ozone can be reduced.

The flow rate of the plasma generating gas introduced into the tubular dielectric 3 is preferably 1 L / min to 10 L / min.
When the flow rate of the plasma-generating gas introduced into the tubular dielectric 3 is equal to or more than the lower limit, it is easy to suppress an increase in the temperature of the irradiated surface of the irradiated object. When the flow rate of the plasma generating gas is equal to or less than the upper limit, cleaning, activation, or healing of the irradiation target can be further promoted.

The AC voltage applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 is preferably 5 kVpp or more and 20 kVpp or less. Here, the unit “Vpp (Volt peak to peak)” representing the AC voltage is a potential difference between the highest value and the lowest value of the AC voltage waveform.
When the internal electrode 4 is a cylindrical member having no irregularities on the outer peripheral surface, the AC voltage applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 is preferably 10 kVpp or more. When the internal electrode 4 having no unevenness on the outer peripheral surface is used, it is necessary to increase the AC voltage applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 as compared with the case of using the internal electrode 4 having the unevenness on the outer peripheral surface. is there.
When the applied AC voltage is equal to or lower than the upper limit, the temperature of the generated plasma can be suppressed low. When the applied AC voltage is equal to or higher than the lower limit, plasma can be generated more efficiently.

The frequency of the alternating current applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5 is preferably from 0.5 kHz to less than 20 kHz, more preferably from 1 kHz to less than 15 kHz, still more preferably from 2 kHz to less than 10 kHz, particularly preferably from 3 kHz to less than 9 kHz. Most preferably, 4 kHz or more and less than 8 kHz.
If the frequency of the alternating current is less than the upper limit, the temperature of the generated plasma can be kept low. If the AC frequency is equal to or higher than the lower limit, plasma can be generated more efficiently.

The temperature of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a of the nozzle 11 is preferably 50 ° C. or lower, more preferably 45 ° C. or lower, even more preferably 40 ° C. or lower.
When the temperature of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a of the nozzle 11 is equal to or lower than the upper limit, the temperature of the irradiated surface is easily reduced to 40 ° C or lower. By setting the temperature of the surface to be irradiated at 40 ° C. or lower, even when the irradiated part is the affected part, the stimulation to the affected part can be reduced.
The lower limit of the temperature of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a of the nozzle 11 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 10 ° C. or more.
The temperature of the active gas is a value obtained by measuring the temperature of the active gas at the irradiation port 1a with a thermocouple.

  The distance (irradiation distance) from the irradiation port 1a to the irradiated surface is preferably, for example, 0.01 mm to 10 mm. When the irradiation distance is equal to or more than the lower limit, the temperature of the irradiated surface can be lowered, and the stimulus to the irradiated surface can be further reduced. When the irradiation distance is equal to or less than the upper limit, effects such as healing can be further enhanced.

The temperature of the irradiated surface at a distance of 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less from the irradiation port 1 a is preferably 40 ° C. or less. When the temperature of the surface to be irradiated is 40 ° C. or less, the stimulation to the surface to be irradiated can be reduced. The lower limit of the temperature of the irradiated surface is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 10 ° C. or more.
The temperature of the irradiated surface is adjusted by a combination of the AC voltage applied between the internal electrode 4 and the external electrode 5, the discharge amount of the active gas to be applied, the length from the tip Q1 of the internal electrode 4 to the irradiation port 1a, and the like. it can.
The temperature of the irradiated surface can be measured using a thermocouple.

  Active species (radicals and the like) contained in the active gas include hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion radical, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, peroxynitrite, peroxynitrite, and trioxide. Dinitrogen and the like can be exemplified. The type of the active species contained in the active gas can be further adjusted to, for example, the type of the plasma generating gas.

  The density of hydroxyl radicals (radical density) in the active gas is preferably 0.1 μmol / L to 300 μmol / L, more preferably 0.1 μmol / L to 100 μmol / L, and further preferably 0.1 μmol / L to 50 μmol / L. preferable. When the radical density is equal to or more than the lower limit, it is easy to promote the cleaning, activation, or abnormality healing of an irradiation target selected from cells, living tissues, and living organisms. When the radical density is equal to or less than the upper limit, stimulation to the irradiated surface can be reduced.

The radical density can be measured, for example, by the following method.
An active gas is irradiated for 30 seconds to 0.2 mL of a 0.2 mol / L solution of DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide). At this time, the distance from the irradiation port 1a to the liquid surface is set to 5.0 mm. The hydroxyl radical concentration of the solution irradiated with the active gas is measured by using an electron spin resonance (ESR) method, and the measured value is defined as a radical density.

  The density of singlet oxygen (singlet oxygen density) in the active gas is preferably 0.1 μmol / L to 300 μmol / L, more preferably 0.1 μmol / L to 100 μmol / L, and 0.1 μmol / L to 50 μmol / L. L is more preferred. When the singlet oxygen density is equal to or more than the above lower limit, it is easy to promote the cleaning, activation, or healing of abnormalities of irradiated objects such as cells, living tissues, and living organisms. When the value is equal to or less than the upper limit, the stimulus to the irradiated surface can be reduced.

The singlet oxygen density can be measured, for example, by the following method.
An active gas is irradiated for 30 seconds to 0.4 mL of a 0.1 mol / L solution of TPC (2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrroline-3-carboxamide). At this time, the distance from the irradiation port 1a to the liquid surface is set to 5.0 mm. For the solution irradiated with the active gas, a singlet oxygen concentration is measured using an electron spin resonance (ESR) method, and this is defined as a singlet oxygen density.

The flow rate of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a is preferably 1 L / min to 10 L / min.
When the flow rate of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a is equal to or more than the lower limit, the effect of the active gas acting on the irradiated surface can be sufficiently enhanced. When the flow rate of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a is less than the upper limit, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the surface to be irradiated with the active gas from excessively increasing. In addition, when the irradiated surface is wet, rapid drying of the irradiated surface can be prevented. Further, when the irradiated surface is an affected area, stimulation to the patient can be suppressed.
In the plasma irradiation apparatus 200, the flow rate of the active gas irradiated from the irradiation port 1a can be adjusted by the supply amount of the plasma generating gas to the tubular dielectric 3.

  The active gas generated by the plasma irradiation device 200 has an effect of promoting healing of a wound or an abnormality. By irradiating a cell, a living tissue or a living individual with an active gas, cleaning or activation of the irradiated portion or healing of the irradiated portion can be promoted.

  When irradiating active gas for the purpose of promoting healing of trauma or abnormalities, the frequency of irradiation, the number of times of irradiation, and the irradiation period are not particularly limited. For example, when irradiating the affected area with an active gas at an irradiation amount of 1 L / min to 5.0 L / min, irradiation conditions such as 1 to 5 times a day, 10 seconds to 10 minutes each time, and 1 day to 30 days, It is preferable from the viewpoint of promoting healing.

  The plasma irradiation device 200 of the present embodiment is particularly useful as an intraoral treatment instrument and a dental treatment instrument. In addition, the plasma irradiation apparatus 200 of the present embodiment is also suitable as an animal treatment instrument (for example, a treatment apparatus for treating the inside of an oral cavity of an animal other than a human).

  According to the plasma irradiation apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, by fixing the fixing member 100 provided on the gas pipeline 30 and the electric wiring 40 to the upper limb 310 of the user 300, the irradiation device 10 can be held by the hand of the user 300. Since it can be arranged in the vicinity, it is possible to prevent the user 300 from dropping the irradiation device 10 during treatment. In particular, even if the user 300 inadvertently releases the hand from the irradiation device 10, it is possible to prevent the irradiation device 10 from dropping. Therefore, even when resuming the temporarily interrupted treatment, there is no need to pick up or repair the irradiation device 10, and the treatment can be quickly resumed. In addition, treatment can be appropriately performed.

<Other embodiments>
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

  For example, each configuration of the plasma irradiation apparatuses 210 and 220 according to the first modification and the second modification as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be adopted. In the plasma irradiation apparatuses 210 and 220 according to the modified example, the same parts as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and only different points will be described.

  As in the plasma irradiation apparatus 210 according to the modification shown in FIG. 7, the fixing member 100 is, for example, one end of the irradiation tool 10 (an end opposite to the nozzle 11, and at least one of plasma and the active gas is discharged). (The end on the side opposite to the side to be formed). In addition, the fixing member 100 may be formed in a ring shape (loop shape) starting from one end of the irradiation device 10, and may be configured by a band-shaped member 140 through which a user's upper limb (for example, a wrist) is inserted. The fixing member 100 has, for example, a form similar to a strap provided on a grip of a ski pole. The irradiation device 10 is arranged near the user's hand by inserting the upper limb of the user into the loop formed by the belt-shaped member 140.

  The band-shaped member 140 is formed by forming a woven or non-woven fabric made of various fibers into a band (tape) having a predetermined width, and forming a ring (loop) starting from one end of the irradiation device 10. It is. Instead of the band-shaped member 140, a string-shaped member in which a string made of various fibers forms an annular (loop-shaped) starting from one end of the irradiation device 10 may be used. Further, it is preferable that the length of the belt-like member 140 (string-like member) in the longitudinal direction can be adjusted according to the size (length of the outer periphery) of the upper limb of the user.

  Further, the fixing member 100 may be provided on both the irradiation device 10 and the electric wiring 40.

As in the plasma irradiation device 220 according to the modified example shown in FIG. 8, the fixing member 100 may include, for example, a safety belt 221.
The safety belt 221 includes a torso belt 222, a buckle 223 that fastens the torso belt 222 and is fixed to the waist of the user 300, a woven rope 224 that is stretchably connected to the torso belt 222, and a tip of the woven rope 224. It has a hook 225 provided, a winder 226 for winding the woven rope 224 around the trunk belt 222, and a storage bag 227 for storing the hook 225 provided on the trunk belt 222.

When performing the work, the user 300 wraps the safety band 221 around the waist and fixes it. At the same time, one end of the irradiation device 10 (the end opposite to the nozzle 11 and at least one of plasma and the active gas is discharged) The hook 225 is hooked on the annular metal fitting 230 provided at the end opposite to the side to be mounted. Since the length of the woven rope 224 can be adjusted by the winder 226, the irradiation device 10 can be arranged at a position where the user 300 can easily use it. Further, the user 300 can prevent the irradiation device 10 from dropping. Further, when the treatment is completed, the user 300 can move by removing the hook 225 from the metal fitting 230 of the irradiation device 10.
Note that a fixing member having the same function as that of the safety belt 221 may be wound around the wrist and used. When a fixing member having the same function as that of the safety belt 221 is used by being wrapped around a wrist, the fixing member includes a belt wrapped around the wrist (corresponding to the torso belt 222) and a belt tightened to wrap around the user 300 A buckle to be fixed (corresponding to the buckle 223), a woven rope (corresponding to the woven rope 224) stretchably connected to the buckle, a hook (corresponding to the hook 225) provided at the tip of the woven rope, and a woven rope It has a winding device (corresponding to the winding device 226) for winding around a belt, and a storage bag (corresponding to the storage bag 227) for storing hooks provided on the belt.

  Further, as described above, the hook 225 may be hooked and fixed to the annular fitting 230 provided at one end of the irradiation device 10, and may be attached to the annular fitting 231 through which the gas pipe 30 and the electric wiring 40 are inserted. It may be hooked and fixed. The metal fitting 231 may or may not be fixed to the gas pipeline 30 and the electric wiring 40.

The operation switch 9 may be different from the above embodiment. For example, instead of providing the operation switch 9 on the irradiation device 10, a foot pedal may be provided on the supply unit 20.
In this case, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the foot pedal is used as the operation unit, and the plasma generating gas is supplied from the supply source 70 to the plasma generating unit 12 when the user steps on the foot pedal, for example.
The notification unit 80 and the detection unit 15 may not be provided.

The shape of the internal electrode 4 of the present embodiment described above is a screw shape. However, the shape of the internal electrode is not limited as long as plasma can be generated between the internal electrode and the external electrode.
The internal electrode may have irregularities on the surface or may not have irregularities on the surface. As the internal electrode, a shape having irregularities on the outer peripheral surface is preferable.
For example, the shape of the internal electrode may be a coil shape, a rod shape or a cylindrical shape having a plurality of protrusions, holes, and through holes formed on the outer peripheral surface. The cross-sectional shape of the internal electrode is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a circle such as a perfect circle and an ellipse, and a polygon such as a square and a hexagon.

  In addition, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately replace the components in the above-described embodiment with known components, and the above-described modifications may be appropriately combined.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The plasma irradiation apparatus of the present invention is useful for applications such as intraoral treatment, dental treatment, and animal treatment. Examples of diseases and symptoms that can be treated by irradiation with active gas include diseases in the oral cavity such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, and wounds on the skin.
The treatment method of the present invention is effective for promoting healing of living tissue. The treatment method of the present invention is effective for treating not only humans but also animals other than humans.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body pipe 10 Irradiation instrument 11 Nozzle 12 Plasma generation part 13 Cover 100 Fixing member 110 Strip part 120 Both ends 130 Joint part 140 Strip members 200, 210, 220 Plasma irradiation device 221 Safety belt

Claims (7)

An irradiation device that has a plasma generation unit and discharges at least one of plasma generated by the plasma generation unit and active gas generated by the plasma,
Wiring connected to the irradiation device;
A fixing member provided on at least one of the irradiation device and the wiring, and fixed to an upper limb of a user.   2. The plasma irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member has a band-shaped portion wound around the upper limb, and a joint provided at both ends of the band-shaped portion and joining the both ends. 3.   2. The plasma irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member has a ring shape, and is formed of a band-shaped member or a string-shaped member through which the upper limb is inserted. 3.   The fixing member has an annular shape starting from an end of the irradiation device opposite to a side from which at least one of the plasma and the active gas is discharged, and a band-shaped member or a cord through which the user's wrist is inserted. The plasma irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plasma irradiation apparatus includes a shape member. The fixing member includes a belt that is wound around the waist or the wrist of the user, a buckle that fastens the belt and is fixed to the waist or the wrist, a rope that is elastically connected to the buckle, and a tip of the rope. And a winder for winding the rope around the belt,
2. The hook is fixed to an annular metal fitting provided at an end of the irradiation device opposite to a side from which at least one of the plasma and the active gas is discharged or an annular metal fitting through which the wiring is inserted. The plasma irradiation apparatus according to claim 1.   The plasma irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plasma generation unit generates the plasma by a dielectric barrier discharge.   The plasma irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plasma generation unit generates the plasma using a nitrogen gas.

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